Antique French Catholic Processional Banner Pole / Processional Rod with Bronze Finials – Early 1900s⸻A beautiful antique French Catholic processional banner pole, dating to approximately the early 20th century and retaining its two original removable bronze finials and central hanging hook/eye.This ecclesiastical piece was originally used to support a large antique Marian processional banner from Bessé-sur-Braye, France. The banner itself has already been sold separately; this listing is for the wooden processional rod, two metal finials, and attached central hanging hook only.The long wooden pole features shaped ends onto which the substantial bronze finials fit. Each finial has a traditional ecclesiastical form with a broad circular body and pointed/acorn-shaped terminal. The metal displays an attractive naturally aged surface with areas of dark oxidation and green verdigris/patina consistent with considerable age.A small iron hanging eye/hook is mounted at approximately the center of the wooden rod and would originally have formed part of the banner’s suspension arrangement.This is a wonderful surviving piece of French Catholic ecclesiastical history and would be particularly suitable for a collector of antique religious objects, church furnishings, processional banners, or French devotional artifacts.⸻OriginImported from France 🇫🇷Bessé-sur-Braye, FranceOriginally accompanied an antique French Marian processional banner dating to approximately the early 1900s.⸻DimensionsWooden rod without finials: Approx. 107 cm / 42 in longOverall length with finials attached: Approx. 122 cm / 48 inEach finial: Approx. 15 cm / 6 in long × 7.6 cm / 3 in wideMeasurements are approximate.⸻⸻ConditionPlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.This is an antique ecclesiastical object showing age-related wear consistent with many decades of actual use and storage. The wooden pole displays surface wear, marks, discoloration, knots, and other signs of age. The shaped wooden ends show wear from the repeated attachment and removal of the finials.The bronze finials display substantial natural patination, oxidation, surface wear, discoloration, and areas of green verdigris. These have not been polished or restored, preserving the aged appearance acquired over many years.The central metal hanging eye/hook also shows oxidation and age-related wear.The finials are removable, as shown in the photographs.These signs of age and use are part of the object’s history and character. Please review the photographs closely and feel free to ask any questions prior to purchase.⸻Historical BackgroundProcessional banners and their poles were important elements of Catholic religious life in France, particularly during parish processions, feast days, pilgrimages, and other public expressions of devotion.Large embroidered banners depicting Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, saints, or parish patrons were carried prominently during these processions. Their supporting poles were designed both to suspend the banner and to provide sufficient width and rigidity for these substantial textiles to be carried or displayed.This particular rod originally accompanied an antique French Marian banner featuring a hand-embroidered depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary based upon Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables. The banner has since been sold separately.The survival of the pole together with its decorative metal finials provides an interesting glimpse into the practical construction and use of French Catholic processional banners during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.An attractive and evocative piece of antique French ecclesiastical material culture, retaining the wonderful patina and honest wear accumulated through its long history.⸻PLEASE NOTE: The processional banner previously associated with this rod is NOT included and has already been sold separately. This sale includes only the wooden rod, two removable finials, and attached central hanging hook/eye shown in the photographs.
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